Recent research has revealed that a third of the average lifetime is spent at work. Perhaps as a result, most professionals are very concerned with where they work – and at what level of the business. Britons are generally an ambitious bunch, always looking for the next challenge. With most companies happy to facilitate the development and progression of their employees, many people choose to stay and advance their careers with a specific organisation. But what happens when these opportunities are no longer available? In some cases, it might be worth seeing if the grass is greener elsewhere.
Quitting your job is not something that should be taken lightly. It’s a challenge to identify the signs that it’s time to seek an upgrade your current position.
Everyone has the occasional thought that they need a new job. But if you’ve been mulling over leaving your existing company for a while and in greater detail (perhaps even sneaking a look at the latest job listings on your lunch break), it may be more than just a fleeting ambition.
Worse still, you may not only be dreaming of a new job but thinking ahead or even counting down to retirement. You don’t have to spend your life ticking off the years, months and days until you’re finally free of work. Instead, knock that CV into shape, take a proactive approach to launching your job search and become one step closer to a more satisfying career.
Although your family and friends will be more than happy to lend an ear, if every conversation begins and ends with a big dose of negativity about your working day, things could get tiresome. There are many factors that can make you dread going to work, from difficult bosses and poor management to a lack of career development and long-awaited promotions. As a time-served professional who has worked hard developing a career, you should have more than negative commentary to offer. Turn this negativity into positivity by airing the challenges you face and the highlights of a brand new role.
Finding a company that you’re proud to work for is high on the list of priorities for many candidates. As years go by, however, you may have fallen out of love with the organisation you represent. A lack of vision and limited growth are two factors that can leave employees feeling equally stagnant in their roles. Daniela Field, senior consultant at Mendix, recommends working with your current employer to revive your love for the role before you jump ship:
“If they’re not supportive or don’t provide the opportunity for growth, it’s a good idea to get them thinking about you. Always address any issues and ideas with the manager first. Is your manager supporting you and assisting in your growth? Are you progressing in your role? These are the kinds of questions you should ask yourself before thinking about finding a new job.”
Job-induced stress can influence all areas of your physical and mental well-being. Disturbed sleep patterns and even physical symptoms like fatigue, poor appetite, persistent headaches, and frequent colds and infections have all been linked to poor job satisfaction. Don’t let your job take its toll on your health. Search for a job that is more mentally stimulating, not a physical and emotional drain. Take a look at our wide range of marketing and business development vacancies right across the professional services sector.